'Minor land threat' expected as tsunami reaches New Zealand

The tsunami has reached North Cape, Raoul Island (one of the Kermadec Islands), Great Barrier Island, East Cape and Tauranga, according to GNS Science's Tsunami Gauge Network.

Far North Civil Defence controller Alastair Wells told Radio New Zealand a surge of around 20cm is expected initially, but this is forecast to build up to 1m within the next three hours.

The tsunami marine warning will remain in place until an all clear is pronounced, Mr Wells said.

Civil Defence said there was a "minor land threat" posed by the tsunami.

Based on real-time tsunami modelling and comparison with historical events, the interpretation was that a minor land threat - wave heights of just over 1m - existed in Northland between Ahipara and the Karikari Peninsula as well as in the Bay of Islands and the Chatham Islands.

A minor land threat means there is a small potential for impacts on beaches in these areas.

A marine threat remains in place for the northern North Island from Kaipara to Ahipara and south of the Karikari Peninsula to Gisborne.

The death toll in Japan has reached 133, press reports said this morning.

More than 700 people have reportedly been injured and hundreds more are missing.

People in coastal areas of New Zealand are being advised to:

1. Stay off beaches.
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities).
3. Not go sightseeing.
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.
5. Listen to the radio for updates.
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.